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Forum gives voice to SA’s health consumer communities

Fifty South Australians have attended a first-of-its-kind consumer healthcare forum in Adelaide today to set the direction of the state’s People’s Health Voice (PHV).

Held at the Unley Oval Community Hub, the People’s Health Voice Forum drew representatives from communities traditionally underrepresented in healthcare consumer engagement. These included people from First Nations communities, people who have been incarcerated, people from SA’s regions and LGBTQIA+ people, amongst a wide range of groups that experience difficulties with the access to and responsiveness of the health system in SA.

Prior to the forum, SACOSS had consulted with nearly 400 people across the state as part of the PHV project’s first, or ‘Define’, phase, hearing about the healthcare issues that affected them, such as access, inclusion and responsiveness.

Today’s forum marked the beginning of the second, or ‘Design’ phase, of the project. This event was for community representatives to draw on the findings from the Define phase, and set the direction for the shape, role and function of the People’s Health Voice into the future.

The next steps for the project will be convening a working group made up of community representatives (including those who nominated during today’s forum, and others who were not able to attend but are interested) which will guide action on the priorities established. These priorities include ongoing consultation and communication with communities, advocacy on their issues of concern, and bringing together health system decision-makers to hear and respond to the lived experience of those who face health access and inclusion barriers. 

The PHV project is led by SACOSS through funding from SA Health.

Quotes attributable to SACOSS Acting CEO Dr Rebecca Tooher 

All South Australians deserve to have access to appropriate healthcare at the appropriate time.

The People’s Health Voice project allows us to hear directly from those people who face barriers to receiving the healthcare they need – and ultimately, for these voices to be heard and incorporated into policy and delivery decision-making by government and healthcare providers. 

This project is particularly important for those community groups whose voices can struggle to be heard.

We have already heard in the first phase from nearly 400 South Australians with a wide range of backgrounds and healthcare experiences. Today’s forum was attended by some 50 designated community representatives, and the level of engagement and conversation around the issues at hand was exceptional. The success of today’s event shows there is a clear path to developing a People’s Health Voice that will speak to a better, more accessible and inclusive healthcare system for all South Australians.

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08 8305 4222

sacoss@sacoss.org.au

Marjorie Black House
47 King William Road Unley SA 5061

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MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.